Scholar in Residence joins WSD

WSD is pleased to announce its first ever Scholar in Residence, Dr. Kishi Anderson Leachman.

Dr. Anderson Leachman’s research and life work focuses on inclusion, diversity, and equity and she will be working with WSD staff on a variety of projects and initiatives.

Dr. Kishi Anderson Leachman is Assistant Professor in Inclusive Education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Winnipeg. She is a dedicated, humble, and empathetic professional who is passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusivity. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology (with High Commendation) focusing on inclusive education from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus. She has over 15 years’ experience as a special educator at various levels of the education system, locally and internationally. She also worked in the capacity of an educational psychologist in Canada, serving as a member of a multidisciplinary team that supports teachers, educational assistants, school administrators, and families to meet the needs of students and youths in inclusive classrooms. As a reflective practitioner, Dr. Anderson Leachman embraces a collaborative, experiential, and inclusive approaches in her practices.

Her dedication to excellence has been recognized through several awards. She is the recipient of the UWI Dean’s Award of Excellence Award (2022), University Teaching Excellence Award (2024), Ministry of Education Top Performing Teacher Awards, University of the West Indies Post-Graduate Scholarship Award, among others. Dr. Anderson Leachman has experience in research and service on inclusive practices in the Caribbean, and Canada. Her research interests are in the areas of inclusion and diversity from a systemic lens, social justice, and partnership building. Her overall goal is to foster the development and wellbeing of children with disabilities in schools.

Dr. Anderson Leachman serves as a member of several organizations and committees including, but not limited to; Manitoba Inclusive Education Professors’ Roundtable, Lead to Include, Canadian Centre for Research on Inclusive Education, Equity, The University of Winnipeg Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. She has also participated in the Student Services Inclusive Education Committee (SSIEC) meetings in Manitoba. Her goal is to continue to serve in capacities to inform equitable policies and practices towards the best education and support for All children and their families.

She is a lover of food and travelling. In her down time, she enjoys watching her favourite tv series such as Law and Order and Chicago Med.

Join us in welcoming Dr. Anderson Leachman!